Petro stressed the search for lasting peace and reparation for victims – credit Juan Cano / Presidency
On Thursday, October 3, the Miguel ‘Happy’ Lora Coliseum, in Montería, was the scene of a historic event within the framework of the ‘Lands for Reconciliation’ program. President Gustavo Petro, together with the National Land Agency (ANT), handed over 8,000 hectares to peasants who were victims of the armed conflict, in an action full of symbolism.
However, what drew the most attention and generated controversy on social networks was the presence of Salvatore Mancuso, former paramilitary commander and key figure in the violence that hit the country. The act of handing over the land generated divided opinions, reflected in the boos and applause directed at Mancuso. In his speech, the former paramilitary chief expressed his regret and stated: “I would like to be an example of what should not be done, that violence is not the way”.
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For his part, President Gustavo Petro indicated his commitment to land restitution; and In a symbolic act that generated controversy, both leaders exchanged hats, a gesture that has been interpreted in various ways in the context of national reconciliation.
In response to the controversy, Petro wrote in X: “It didn’t bother them when Mancuso massacred peasants and took their lands. But now it does bother them that Mancuso apologizes to the victims and returns the land that was taken from them.” To which he added: “In Colombia there are addicts to blood and we have to fill it with addicts to peace”.
President Petro defended Mancuso’s presence, highlighting his repentance and role in reconciliation – credit @petrogustavo/X
During the land handover event, Mancuso took responsibility for the pain and suffering he caused during his time commanding the Self-Defense Forces: “I assume the responsibility that corresponds to me for so much pain, suffering and tears, for the dispossession of lands, for the humiliation to which they were subjected through the orders I gave. to the men and women who were under my command,” he expressed during the land delivery event.
The former paramilitary chief, who now positions himself as a peace manager, declared that “with these deliveries, the countryside is dignified and the rural communities, which we unjustly punish so much in the midst of the armed conflict, are dignified. Furthermore, with this, their rights are restored.” These words highlight a significant change in the narrative of the former paramilitary commander, who, in his speech, stated that “today I am a person who is committed to redeeming all the pain that I caused them.”
“With these deliveries, the countryside is dignified and the rural communities are dignified,” said Mancuso – credit @UnidadVictimas/X
In a conciliatory tone, Mancuso stressed the importance of working together, despite ideological and political differences, to achieve a common objective: “The restitution of the comprehensive rights of the victims, stopping the war and achieving peace with the commitment that “These events will not be repeated again.”
Furthermore, he referred to Gustavo Petro, pointing out that he is “a president who was part of the armed conflict, who was in the insurgency, who was a victim and military objective of the self-defense groups, even after he demobilizedand one of our greatest opponents in the Congress of the Republic.”
The former paramilitary chief did not skimp on mentioning the governor of Córdoba, Erasmo Zuleta, and highlighted the threats suffered by his mother, Mara Zuleta. “We restricted his ability to run for governor of Córdoba and receive the support of the communities, with the clear threat that if he did not do what we asked, he would pay with his life.”
The Victims Unit and former paramilitary chief Salvatore Mancuso signed an agreement to search for the lost goods that were delivered and intended for the victims – credit X
On Friday, October 4, together with the director of the Victims Unit, Salvatore Mancuso arrived at the National Meeting of Subjects of Collective Reparation, where will undertake to search for goods that have not yet been delivered for the reparation of those affected by the armed conflict.